Dharamshala, July 6, 2025 — Amid chants, prayer flags, and torrential rain, the 14th Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex in Dharamshala, drawing devotees, dignitaries, and global well-wishers to the spiritual heart of the Tibetan exile community.
Monks, Ministers, and Hollywood Join the Tributes
Clad in his traditional maroon and yellow robes, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed thousands who gathered to honour him.
“When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all,” he said, reflecting on decades of promoting peace and compassion.
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh attended on behalf of the Indian government. Notably, actor and longtime supporter Richard Gere praised the spiritual leader as “the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet.”
Global Leaders Send Birthday Wishes
Messages poured in from around the world:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Dalai Lama’s embodiment of “love, compassion, and patience.”
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called him a beacon of unity.
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Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton sent personal tributes, underscoring the Dalai Lama’s influence beyond religion and geopolitics.
Ceremonies Across the Himalayas
Celebrations weren’t limited to Dharamshala:
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In Shimla, monks at Dorjidak Monastery performed long-life prayers, led by Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche.
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A ceremonial cake was cut in his honour.
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Tibetan communities in Nepal, Europe, and North America held prayers and cultural performances.
Spiritual Significance and Cultural Legacy
More than just a birthday, the event marked a reaffirmation of Tibetan identity, unity, and resistance. Kunga Lama, a senior monk, described it as “a celebration of who we are.”
The Dalai Lama also addressed succession questions, announcing that his spiritual lineage will continue, ending decades of speculation over what comes next.
A Life in Exile and Global Leadership
Born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 in northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at age two. He assumed full leadership in 1950 and fled to India in 1959 following a Chinese crackdown. Since then, he has become a global advocate for peace, non-violence, and interfaith dialogue, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
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FAQs
Q1. Where did the Dalai Lama celebrate his 90th birthday?
The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex.
Q2. Who attended the celebration?
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh represented India. International guest Richard Gere also attended, along with monks, followers, and global leaders who sent wishes.
Q3. What were the main events of the celebration?
The celebration included traditional music, long-life prayers, public addresses by the Dalai Lama, cultural performances, and global tributes.
Q4. What did the Dalai Lama say about his spiritual legacy?
He confirmed that the spiritual lineage will continue after his death, addressing longstanding questions about the succession.
Q5. Why is this birthday significant for Tibetans?
It symbolizes unity, cultural identity, and continued hope for peace and spiritual freedom amidst exile.
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